Kinneret Hotels Report High Occupancy Amidst Amoeba Scare

Despite reports of an amoeba infection and the cancellation of the "Crossing the Kinneret" event due to its presence in the water, hotels and resorts around the Sea of Galilee are reporting near-full occupancy. While some estimates suggest up to 30% cancellations in certain areas ahead of the holiday, official sources have not confirmed this figure. Hotel managers in the region state that occupancy is currently around 99% and is expected to remain high through the Sukkot and Simchat Torah holidays. Business owners and hotel managers in the area acknowledge ongoing challenges from recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, and hosting evacuees for extended periods. Doron Bichler, CEO of the "Magan Eden" resort, noted that while guests express concern and inquire about the amoeba, they are ultimately still arriving. He added that some visitors opt for the resort's pool, while others continue to enter the Kinneret without concern for the reports. Avi Zandberg, a veteran hotelier from Tiberias, also reported no cancellations, stating that guests are proceeding with their plans to visit the Kinneret as usual and do not appear frightened. His hotel, Astoria, is fully booked. Experts, including Professor Moshe Gofen, former director of the Kinneret Limnological Laboratory, suggest the amoeba's survival chances in the open waters of the Kinneret are minimal due to wind and water temperatures below 34 degrees Celsius. Despite these concerns, tourism stakeholders and local authorities are urging the public to continue visiting and supporting local businesses, emphasizing the Kinneret's importance and the region's offerings for the holidays.